Do it Yourself

5 Unusual Uses For Place Mats

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:24 +0000

Filed under: Crafts, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Living Spaces, Crafts & Celebrations

Give your place mats a second life with these creative ideas.

Who knew? You can use place mats as a wall divider. Photo: Jonathon Fong Style

When I’m shopping for decor, I’m consistently drawn to the m…

Could You Get Paid to DIY?

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:21 +0000

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Small Projects, Essential Skills, Know-How

In England, two landlords are testing a system that pays tenants to do their own routine repairs. Will it catch on?

If you’re going it anyways, shouldn’t you get the cash? Photo: Getty

Ever find yourself unclogging …

Fix Scratches in Wood

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:20 +0000

Sometimes, the most common household items can be used in unexpected ways. Learn what you can use (that you probably already have at home) to fix scratched wood.

Orin Zebest, flickr

It’s never fun discovering that your beautiful wooden table is marred with a nasty scratch. But let’s face it: I…

Unclog a Drain: Baking Soda Vs. Drano

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:20 +0000

Filed under: Essential Skills, Know-How

If your drain is backed up, here’s how to get the water flowing.

Sure, now the home-care market is permeated with cleaning solutions. But there was a time when we relied on good ol’ fashioned elbow grease and know-how when it came to cleaning our homes….

Green Kitchen Countertops, 5 Different Ways

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:20 +0000

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects

It’s not just sustainably-harvested wood. The newest eco-countertops are made of everything from bamboo and junk mail.

Glass is upcycled into gorgeous countertops from EnviroGlas in a rainbow of colors. Photo: Jason Woelfel, EnviroGlas

Recycled …

Window Maintenance

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:19 +0000

Filed under: Kitchen & Bath, Big Projects, Living Rooms, Living Spaces

Windows feeling extra heavy? We swear they’re not gaining weight. Replace those window sashes and they’ll open and close smoothly.

Photo: Age Fotostock

Maintaining old windows takes time, but it’s is worth the effort…

First Look: Urban Eco

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:18 +0000

Today we take a look at a new web series that’s all about living simply (with style). It’s definitely something we can get behind…especially this episode, which shows the many ways you can re-use corks.

Urban Eco is a new series hosted by DIY darling Amy Devers. (You might know her as the unusu…

Behind The Scenes: The B Brian Atwood Showroom

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:18 +0000

Filed under: Living Spaces

We were so excited to hear that one of our favorite shoe designers is launching a contemporary line: B Brian Atwood. But what got us talking was the label’s amazing showroom in New York City’s Meatpacking district.

Located inside a building dating back from 1901…

How to Build a Scratching Post

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:18 +0000

Filed under: Eric Stromer

Our resident expert Eric Stromer shows you how to build a scratching post.

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Random Recast Round-Up: 4 New Ways with Egg Cartons

scotbatte — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 01:48:17 +0000

Filed under: Crafts, Know-How, Living Spaces

In this week’s Random Recast, we took a look at a few unexpected uses for egg cartons.

Day 4: Egg Carton House

Goldenhen

It’s not coming to a development near you, but it’s nice to look at isn’t it? This art installation by the Australian stud…